MOUAU VC VISITS ABIA STATE SPEAKER, GETS MORE ASSURANCES OF SUPPORT ON RESOLUTION OF LAND ISSUES
More support is coming the way of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in its efforts to secure the lands allotted to it since 1994. This was made known yesterday when the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in company of the principal officers and other senior staff of the University, visited the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.
During the visit, Prof. Madu Ofo Iwe had appealed to the speaker, who he described as a community-focused and development-oriented leader, to intervene legislatively in the securement of the lands allotted to the University since its inception. According to the VC, the intervention is needed to enable the University have unfettered access to all its lands for it to key into the federal government’s current efforts at enhancing food production in the country.
Speaking further, Prof. Madu Iwe also asked Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji to work towards a tax rebate for staff of the University, to make life easier for them. The VC added that his administration is open to a cordial relationship and the goodwill of the legislature in Abia State, to enable him achieve his objectives for the University.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji expressed delight at the visit, stating that it was the first time a delegation from the University came to synergize with the legislative arm of the State since he became a State legislator, despite the roles it has to play in its growth. On the requests made by the VC, the speaker assured the visitors that the State legislature would leverage on the cordial relationship it has with the Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, to look into the issue of the securement of the University’s lands and tax rebate for its staff. The speaker asked the VC to officially address a letter to the Abia State House of Assembly regarding his requests, expressing delight that the State governor had also promised to look into the University’s land issues.
Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji urged staff of the University to support the VC in his efforts to move the University to greater heights, adding that they should always embrace dialogue instead of confrontation as the most effective way of resolving issues. The speaker assured the VC of the State legislature’s continuous support, expressing optimism that the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike would prosper under his watch.